When someone dies suddenly, is found dead or is killed, family members and police investigators have many questions including: What caused the death? How did the person die? The forensic autopsy is the primary tool used to find answers to these concerns. The following guidelines provides important information for family members needing to know when, after a relative dies suddenly, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) needs to perform an autopsy and/or issue a death certificate.